The KZN Legislature deployed its members to various parts of the province to ensure that schools started without any problems, and also to monitor and follow up on issues previously raised by teachers and the School Governing Body (SGB) in schools that were visited early this year.

On Tuesday (July 27), they visited two schools falling under Alfred Duma Local Municipality as part of the School Functionality Monitoring programme. The Honourable Thulani Xulu and Honourable Otto Kunene, uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko, Alfred Duma Mayor Vincent Madlala, Department of Education officials and other stakeholders were part of the programme.

The programme ensures that teaching and learning happens without interruption, and also helps the leadership to gain first-hand information on the challenges faced by schools. The focus was on effective teaching and learning, availability of key resources, and staffing and infrastructure.

The first stop was at Isiqophamithi Primary School, where there is a poor working relationship and divisions among the School Management Team (SMT). Good working relations were encouraged among the educators. Burglaries and vandalism was also reported at the school. “There is enough water supplied by the municipality though,” said school principal Mrs Africa. The principal also mentioned that the school is not ready for full attendance of learners next month due to a shortage of classrooms.

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“We will continue supplying water to schools, and we are increasing the water conservation projects that will be implemented this financial year,” explained Mayor Mazibuko.

The last stop was at Qophindlela Secondary School, where the school is faced with huge challenges in terms of fulfilling its mandate and the issue of discipline.

Drug abuse in the form of dagga by both male and female learners is rife, and there is also a high pregnancy rate at the school.

It was said that police visibility should be the norm, and the issue of no security was again raised by school principal Mr Mathunjwa. The Department of Social Development addressed the learners regarding their behaviour. Shortage of water and ablution facilities is still a challenge at this school.

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